Islas Desertas

A marvellous experience.

We sailed out to the Islas Desertas from Funchal on the Bonita de Madeira, a beautiful gulet.

We saw common dolphins and Striped Dolphins first and then out Captain spotted a turtle. He sent the two young lads out in the dinghy to capture it and bring it to the boat. Duly done, they cleaned off all the baby crabs that were stopping her from diving freely. We took photos and then she went free, now able to swim properly.

We landed off Deserta Grande and there was half an hour swimming before our lunch.

The photo shows what happened next. A wet landing for all of us. The guys were brilliant and strong. I didn't care that my jeans were soaked to the mid-thigh.

Fascinating walk around the permitted area,
And then the return.

A big whale on the way back......

We didn't see the Lobos, the monk seals, but I really wasn't worried. I'll have to go back.